Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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On 7 February 2017, the Government approved the publication of the Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Bill 2017. The Bill and the subsequent Ministerial regulations made thereunder, will allow for the licensing, provision and operation of supervised injecting facilities under specific circumstances, whilst protecting the public health and ensuring that the prohibition on possession and supply of illicit drugs outside of such facilities is adequately maintained.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) estimates that it will cost in the region of €1.5m to operate a supervised injecting facility in a full year. An additional €3 million in funding has been made available to the HSE this year to improve addiction services. The increased budget includes provision of €0.75m to enable the establishment of a pilot supervised injecting facility in the second half of 2017, subject to the legislation being passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas.